Save Article

Stock Markets Edge Higher
As Street Backs Off Extremes

NEW YORK -- Indications of profit shortfalls and weak economic conditions persisted, but stock-market averages managed to drift higher in an uncharacteristically docile session.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, after trading both higher and lower intraday, finished in the black, up 56.11, or 0.65%, at 8659.97. The Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.24 points, or 0.15%, to 1501.64.